(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Cory Monteith says being a "troubled kid" has left him with a desire to save youngsters from a life of drink and drugs.

The American actor, who is best known for playing Finn Hudson in the hit comedy series Glee, revealed his drink and drug-fuelled teenage years have left him wanting to save young people from making the same mistakes.

The 29-year-old star, who visited a UK centre for homeless young people recently, still finds it hard to comprehend that such problems still exist.

"I was a troubled kid. Although I was never homeless myself, I was marginalised. Meeting some of the people here makes me feel very humble. I feel fortunate that I had the support around so that I was able to overcome a lot of the difficulties I was dealing with," he revealed in an interview with British newspaper The Sun. "The reason I talk about my past is not to seem opportunistic, but to raise awareness that these problems exist for young people. It's not hard to believe that this happened to someone on TV. It's hard to believe there are still such problems in First World countries."

Cory started drinking and taking drugs at the age of 13. The star then dropped out of school and was forced into rehab by his mother and friends at the age of 19.

The star says his behaviour was beyond repair, and he needed professional help.

"I was out of control," he admitted. "I had a serious problem - anything and everything as much as possible." (C) Cover Media